Apple iPhone 6 Plus: Does the world need an Apple phablet?

Tony Ibrahim |
Sept. 23, 2014

Apple has long derided large screen smartphones. The company defended the dwarfish 4in screen of the iPhone 5 in a series of advertisements following its launch. Now Apple has changed its tune with its 6 Plus phablet, a 5.5in variant of its iPhone destined to battle rivals from Samsung, LG and Sony.

The homescreen works in landscape orientation for the 6 Plus

Apple has used software in an effort to make the 6 Plus more comfortable to use. A software mode called 'reachability' can be enabled by double tapping — not pressing — the home button. It slides the top half of the screen downwards. Reachability does make the 6 Plus' tall form more comfortable; however, it also adds an extra step to most tasks.

Everyday smartphone users who want a big screen version of Apple's iOS software will appreciate the 4.7in iPhone 6. The Plus-size variant lends itself to the viewing of photos and watching of videos, but the larger screen taxes how comfortable the smartphone experience is, even more so than rival phablets.